Mass suicide: Administration brokers peace between rivals

The Gurgaon administration finally intervened to save 18 members of the nomadic Bairagi family, which had sought the authorities' permission to end their lives. The administration's took the step after the issue was highlighted by the media.

The Gurgaon administration finally intervened to save 18 members of the nomadic Bairagi family, which had sought the authorities' permission to end their lives. The administration's took the step after the issue was highlighted by the media.

A panchayat was held in the village to settle the matter where both parties reached at a consensus. "The panchayat has asked the accused to return valuables of the Bairagi family and withdraw the FIR filed against them. The matter will be settled on Wednesday in the court where both parties will submit an affidavitsss," said Durgesh Boken, the victim's counsel.

Earlier, on Monday, victim Shyam Lal and 18 members of his family had sought authorities' permission for a mass suicide. The family had also appealed to President Pratibha Patil in this regard.

The victim has been residing with his family in Bandhwari village for long, which is considered a part of the village now.

In the petition, Lal has named five men and three women of the other community for allegedly forcing them to vacate prime land, on which they have put up their hutments.